Mark 4:2
New International Version
He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:

New Living Translation
He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

English Standard Version
And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:

Berean Standard Bible
And He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said,

Berean Literal Bible
And He began teaching them many things in parables, and in His teaching He was saying to them,

King James Bible
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

New King James Version
Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:

New American Standard Bible
And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,

NASB 1995
And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,

NASB 1977
And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,

Legacy Standard Bible
And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,

Amplified Bible
And He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them,

Christian Standard Bible
He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them:

American Standard Version
And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

Contemporary English Version
He used stories to teach them many things, and this is part of what he taught:

English Revised Version
And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He used stories as illustrations to teach them many things. While he was teaching them, he said,

Good News Translation
He used parables to teach them many things, saying to them:

International Standard Version
He began teaching them many things in parables. While he was teaching them he said,

Majority Standard Bible
And He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said,

NET Bible
He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching said to them:

New Heart English Bible
And then he taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,

Webster's Bible Translation
And he taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine,

Weymouth New Testament
Then He proceeded to teach them many lessons in figurative language; and in His teaching He said,

World English Bible
He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and He taught them many things in allegories, and He said to them in His teaching:

Berean Literal Bible
And He began teaching them many things in parables, and in His teaching He was saying to them,

Young's Literal Translation
and he taught them many things in similes, and he said to them in his teaching:

Smith's Literal Translation
And he taught them in parables many things, and said to them in his teaching,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he taught them many things in parables, and he said to them, in his doctrine:

New American Bible
And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,

New Revised Standard Version
He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he taught them much by parables, and in his teaching he said,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He was teaching them in many parables, and he said in his teaching:
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he taught them many things in parables, and said to them in his teaching:

Godbey New Testament
And He was teaching them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them,

Haweis New Testament
And he taught them in parables many things, and said unto them in the course of his teaching,

Mace New Testament
then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions.

Weymouth New Testament
Then He proceeded to teach them many lessons in figurative language; and in His teaching He said,

Worrell New Testament
And He taught them many things in parables, and said to them in His teaching,

Worsley New Testament
And He taught them many things by similitudes, and said to them in his instruction,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Sower
1Once again Jesus began to teach beside the sea, and such a large crowd gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people crowded along the shore. 2And He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said, 3“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.…

Cross References
Matthew 13:3
And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Luke 8:4-5
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told them this parable: / “A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, where it was trampled, and the birds of the air devoured it.

Matthew 13:34
Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.

Psalm 78:2
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

John 16:25
I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.

Proverbs 1:6
by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Ezekiel 17:2
“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

Matthew 13:10-11
Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Luke 10:23-24
Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. / For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Isaiah 55:10-11
For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 2:7
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.


Treasury of Scripture

And he taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine,

by parables.

Mark 4:11,34
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: …

Mark 3:23
And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

Psalm 49:4
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

in his.

Mark 12:38
And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

Matthew 7:28
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

John 7:16,17
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me…

Jump to Previous
Doctrine Ear Figurative Form Lessons Parables Proceeded Similes Stories Taught Teach Teaching
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Doctrine Ear Figurative Form Lessons Parables Proceeded Similes Stories Taught Teach Teaching
Mark 4
1. The parable of the sower,
14. and the meaning thereof.
21. We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.
26. The parable of the seed growing secretly;
30. and of the mustard seed.
35. Jesus stills the storm on the sea.














And He taught them
The Greek word for "taught" is "ἐδίδασκεν" (edidasken), which is derived from "διδάσκω" (didaskō), meaning to instruct or impart knowledge. This word emphasizes the active role of Jesus as a teacher, a role that was central to His ministry. In the historical context, rabbis often taught in synagogues or open spaces, engaging with their audience through dialogue and storytelling. Jesus, as the ultimate Rabbi, used His teaching to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating His authority and wisdom.

many things
The phrase "many things" indicates the breadth and depth of Jesus' teachings. It suggests a comprehensive approach, covering various aspects of life and spirituality. In the context of Mark's Gospel, this phrase underscores the richness of Jesus' message, which was not limited to a single topic but encompassed the full spectrum of God's revelation to humanity. Historically, this reflects the Jewish tradition of exploring the Torah and other scriptures in a multifaceted manner, seeking to understand God's will in all areas of life.

in parables
The term "parables" comes from the Greek "παραβολαῖς" (parabolais), meaning a comparison or analogy. Parables were a common teaching method in ancient Jewish culture, used to convey deep spiritual truths through simple, relatable stories. Jesus' use of parables was both a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 78:2) and a strategic way to reveal truths to those with open hearts while concealing them from those who were hardened. This method invited listeners to engage actively with the message, prompting reflection and self-examination.

and in His teaching
The phrase "in His teaching" highlights the authoritative nature of Jesus' instruction. The Greek word "διδαχῇ" (didachē) refers to doctrine or teaching, emphasizing the content and substance of what Jesus imparted. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus taught with divine authority, offering insights that were both revolutionary and rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word. This authority was recognized by His contemporaries, who marveled at His wisdom and understanding.

He said
The simple phrase "He said" underscores the direct communication from Jesus to His audience. The Greek "ἔλεγεν" (elegen) is an imperfect tense, indicating continuous or repeated action. This suggests that Jesus' teaching was an ongoing process, a continuous dialogue with His followers. In the scriptural context, this reflects the living and active nature of God's Word, which speaks to every generation with relevance and power. Jesus' words were not just historical utterances but remain a vital source of truth and guidance for believers today.

(2) In his doctrine.--Better, in His teaching.

Verse 2. - He taught them many things in parables. This was a new system of teaching. For some months he had taught directly. But as he found that this direct teaching was met in some quarters with unbelief and scorn, he abandoned it for the less direct method of the parable. The parable (παραβολή) is etymologically the setting forth of one thing by the side of another, so that the one may be compared with the other. The parable is the truth presented by a similitude. It differs from the proverb inasmuch as it is necessarily figurative. The proverb may be figurative, but it need not of necessity be figurative. The parable is often an expanded proverb, and the proverb a condensed parable. There is but one Hebrew word for the two English words "parable" and "proverb," which may account for their being frequently interchanged. The proverb (Latin) is a common sentiment generally accepted. The parable (Greek) is something put by the side of something else. Theologically, it is something in the world of nature which finds its counterpart in the world of spirit. The parable attracts attention, and so becomes valuable as a test of character. It reveals the seekers after truth, those who love the light. It withdraws the light from those who love darkness. And said unto them in his doctrine (ἐν τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ); literally, in his teaching, namely, that particular mode of teaching which he bad just introduced; "he taught them" (ἐδίδασκεν). He said, "in his teaching" (ἐν τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He taught
ἐδίδασκεν (edidasken)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

them
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

many things
πολλά (polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

parables.
παραβολαῖς (parabolais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

teaching
διδαχῇ (didachē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.

He said,
ἔλεγεν (elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.


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NT Gospels: Mark 4:2 He taught them many things in parables (Mar Mk Mr)
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